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Tech Spec: Why do I even need that?

Erika Jacobs feels that smartphones are unnecessary, but her LG Lotus and laptop accomplish everything she needs. Photo by Courtland Jeffrey.
Erika Jacobs feels that smartphones are unnecessary, but her LG Lotus and laptop accomplish everything she needs. Photo by Courtland Jeffrey.

In many people’s eyes, technology is a good thing; people integrate laptops, smartphones and just about any other form of technology you can think of  into their everyday lives. But, there are people who oppose this mesh of technology and people.

Kathryn Gonzalez, a senior Hnglish literature and history double-major, is one of those people who feels negatively towards this technological dynamic. One of her main arguments against technology is that everyone correlates technology with societal progress, which is not the case. She says it puts “barriers between people,” destroying human interaction.

Gonzalez relates this disconnect to social media saying, "It's a fake form of friendship.”

Erika Jacobs feels that smartphones are unnecessary, but her LG Lotus and laptop accomplish everything she needs. Photo by Courtland Jeffrey.

“We take our tangibility for granted because of technology,” Gonzalez says.

Another person who feels that we should “turn off our computers and talk to someone” is Erika Jacobs, a senior psychology and theater double-major.

“It’s (technology) convenient but that convenience becomes our demise,” Jacobs says as she reasoned the pros and cons of society’s unity with technology.

Jacobs feels that although its holds utility at times, apps should not dominate lives like they do. When asked whether the technology-hungry world can escape this fate, she brought up the fact that the world is information-based. Because of this, people need to be connected.

Jacobs brought up another point when she spoke about how her 4-year-old nephew uses an iPad. She sees utility in her nephew using it to learn, but she also feels that it can quickly turn into an addiction.

“It all comes down to moderation,” she says.

Both Gonzalez and Jacobs say they feel hypocritical because they have allowed technology into their lives in the form of laptops and cell phones.

“I know I am a hypocrite, but I cannot write my papers on a typewriter,” Gonzalez says.

While the integration of technology into society continues, keep in mind that if you are taking a stand against this you are not alone. Gonzalez and Jacobs bring up strong points against technology, but it may be rightfully so to hold out hope that technology will become a more useful and appealing utility, while not taking over our lives.

 

If you have any thoughts on technology’s role in society, let me know via Twitter @Court_Jeffrey or email at cejeffre@asu.edu Enjoy!


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